A thumbnail image helps you to preview the file even before opening it. The larger the thumbnail photo is, the better accuracy while launching the file.
Sometimes bigger thumbnail image requires more time to load. That increases the computing time. However, some users try to make the thumbnail photo size extra large for better visibility.
If you’re facing either one of the issues, this article is for you. We’ll cover how to resize the thumbnail image on Widows 10/11. Though you might’ve found other websites that modify the thumbnail size using third-party applications, we’ll do something different.
This article will describe more efficient methods to convert Windows thumbnail preview size.
How to Increase the Image Thumbnail Size in Windows Explorer
The Thumbnail image size varies from 400×400 to 600×600 in Windows explorer. That size is not applicable for the image gallery thumbnails. However, to increase the thumbnail icon size, you need to open the File explorer > Press and hold the Ctrl > scroll up to make the thumbnail image bigger.
That’s the initial step to increasing the thumbnail image size. You can use other proven methods to show the preview image larger on Windows explorer. Read the following section to find out the suitable procedure.
Here are the methods to enlarge the thumbnail image size:
Enlarging the Windows explorer’s thumbnail photo with the default settings is the best method to modify. You don’t need to utilize additional software or any major editing tools to increase/decrease image thumbnails.
Here’s the process to resize the image thumbnail with Windows menu options:
- Launch the File Manager on your Computer.
- Select the View tab from the top ribbon.
- Expand the ribbon by pressing Ctrl + F1.
- Select the desired icon size among Large icons/Extra large icons/medium icons.
This is the simplest yet workable method to adjust the brief icons. However, check out the following section if you want a more customized size for the thumbnail photo.
Also, check out our separate post to Fix cFosSpeed Driver Preventing Windows 11 Installation.
2. Preview Pane
The preview pane allows you to take a look at the file briefly. For instance, you are searching for an image in your gallery, but you don’t know which one to open.
If you enable the preview pane on your file explorer, you’ll be able to sneak peek at the file before even opening them.
Preview pane was much more popular with Windows 7,8,8.1. Users could utilize this feature with one click. However, in Windows 10/11 file explorer, you have to enable the preview pane manually. After that, you can customize the pane size for a large thumbnail view.
Here are the steps to enable the preview pane in Windows 10:
- Launch File Explorer on your computer.
- Press Ctrl + F1 to expand the ribbon.
- Move to the View tab.
- Locate the Preview pane in the top left dashboard and click on it.
You’re all set. Restart the file manager and click on the file you want to open. You’ll notice the thumbnail image on the right side of the explorer.
Follow our guide on the disadvantages of not Activating Windows 10.
3. Registry Editor
In case none of those methods couldn’t show larger thumbnail images, some changes in the registry editor might.
Using the registry editor will not only increase the thumbnail size but will also ensure the opportunity to customize the thumbnail size.
By default, Windows have three or four thumbnail sizes available for you to modify. But, with the registry editor, you can change the thumbnail images according to your preference.
Here’s the method to change the registry editor for customizing the thumbnail photos:
- Press Windows + R to open the run prompt.
- Type Regedit on the prompt and hit Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer.
- Go to the right pane and look for Thumbnail size in the list. You can include a new one if you can’t find it.
- Right-click on the Explorer menu and select New – DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Rename the DWORD value to ThumbnailSize.
- Double click on the registry file you just created, then change the value to a random number between 32 and 256.
Note: Use any number and that will be the size of your thumbnail image/ brief image. That way, you can customize it whenever it’s necessary to change the image size.
These are the methods that you can use to modify (increase/decrease) thumbnail photo size. If you are using Windows 11, check out the following section to make the thumbnail image bigger.
Here’s a complete guide on how to create RDP shortcut icon on Windows 10.
How to Make the Photo Thumbnails Larger in Windows 11?
You need to enable the preview pane to see the thumbnail image large in size. To do that, launch the file manager in Windows 11 > Click on View > Show > Tick on the Preview pane. Also, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the task manager > select File explorer > Restart.
Check whether you can change the image thumbnail size in Windows 11 or not. Follow the subsequent steps to tweak the settings further.
Here are the steps to make the thumbnail image larger in Windows 11:
- Right-click on the Windows 11 start menu.
- Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) and select Ok.
- Copy this command on the PowerShell; DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and hit Enter.
You’ll notice a message “The operation completed successfully.” After that, copy-paste this command on the PowerShell sfc /scannow and press Enter. When the message “Verification 100% complete” appears on the screen, you’ll be able to make changes in the thumbnail image sizes.
Also, check out our separate post to uninstall IE11 Windows 10.
Why aren’t my Thumbnail Images not Showing on Windows 10/11?
Windows bug is the main reason behind your inability to customize thumbnail images on Windows 10/11. Sometimes, if the thumbnail file’s cache gets corrupted, system file error due to your storage device, you won’t notice the thumbnail images on Windows 11.
Don’t be alarmed to notice the variation of the causes. There are some simple methods that you can apply when your thumbnail images are not showing on Windows explorer.
Here are the methods to resolve customized thumbnail images not showing on Explorer:
- Change File Explorer Settings: Search File explorer options in the search menu > Go to the File tab > Uncheck Always show icons, never thumbnails > Apply > Ok.
- Delete Thumbnail Cache: Go to File Explorer > This PC > Right-click on C drive > Properties > Disk cleanup > Tick on Thumbnails > Delete.
- Reset Windows File Explorer: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously to open task manager > Click on File explorer > Restart.
In this manner, you can resolve the thumbnail image issue on your Windows 11 computer. Have any specific questions regarding this topic? Check out the following section.
Check our exclusive tutorial on how to turn on or off device Encryption on Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my computer not showing me thumbnails for photos at all?
The Thumbnail preview may be disabled. Open “Control Panel” > “Folder Options” > “View” and ensure that “Always show icons, never thumbnails” is unchecked.
Can I Change the Size of Desktop Icons?
Press and hold the Ctrl button on your desktop, then scroll the mouse wheeler to change the size.
How to Edit Thumbnails on Windows Explorer?
Open File Explorer > Go to view tab > select the icon and change it to extra large/ large icons.
Wrapping Up
Throughout this article, I’ve discussed how you can change image thumbnail size on Windows explorer. After reading this article, you’ll find that customizing thumbnail photos is not complicated as it seems.
But in case you encounter any difficulties changing the thumbnail image, don’t be shy to comment below. We’ll be delighted to assist you.
